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Norah Kay

Rich and Cozy French Onion Soup

This French Onion Soup is the perfect marriage of elegance and comfort. Made with deeply caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and topped with gooey Gruyère cheese over crispy baguette slices, this cozy classic delivers rich, indulgent flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re hosting guests or planning an easy recipes dinner for two, this timeless dish brings Parisian charm right to your table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup:
  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine optional
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
  • 1 baguette sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Oven-safe soup bowls or ramekins
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Cheese grater (for Gruyère)

Method
 

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and sugar. Stir occasionally, cooking for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer
  1. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
  1. While soup simmers, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
  1. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving room at the top.
  2. Top with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
  3. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Info (per serving, approx.)
  1. Calories: 375
  2. Fat: 18g
  3. Carbs: 36g
  4. Protein: 17g
  5. Fiber: 3g
  6. Sugar: 8g
  7. Sodium: 850mg

Notes

Notes
Wine Substitute: Use a splash of balsamic vinegar or additional broth if you prefer not to use wine.
Cheese Options: Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella can work in place of Gruyère.
Make-Ahead Tip: The soup can be made 2–3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat and broil with fresh bread and cheese just before serving.
Vegetarian Version: Use mushroom or vegetable broth instead of beef broth.